Book Review : Night In Shining Armour

“They did it all

They do it today as well

And they’ll keep at it for long after we’re gone

It’s not without reason we say

The stars will guide you home.”

Manali Desai's 'Night In Shining Armour' is a delightful compilation of 55 poems that beautifully captures the essence of the night, bringing to life the myriad of emotions it can stir.

Book Blurb on Amazon

This little book brings forth a collection of poems, each centered on and around the theme of nightly experiences and encounters. Right from dinner dates to bonfires and stargazing, almost every activity that happens after sundown is covered herein, in poetic verse. Divided into two sections- Facets and Pursuits; the poems in Facets are a night lover's ode to the elements of the dark, and those in Pursuits, talk about nighttime occurrences and indulgences. Striking a chord with nocturnal (human) beings and selenophiles, the lines herein are assured to evoke emotions of longing. No human, irrespective of their age is deprived of the pleasures (or pains) that the dark hour brings in. The poems, describing moments of what happens after sundown will make the readers romanticize the darkness or have bittersweet moments flash through their minds, helping them relive and reminisce long forgotten or buried memories.

Review

The book has two categories: Facets and Pursuits. Under Facets, the readers will find poems about the elements in the dark, like the Moon, stars, meteors, etc. Meanwhile, the Pursuits section has verses of nighttime luxuries and occurrences.

The writing style and thought process of the author are evocating and engaging. The book has a compilation of poems of different types, from sonnets to free verse. Within its pages, readers will embark on a unique journey through the realm of the night, encountering a wide array of poetic styles rarely encountered elsewhere.

The points that will keep the readers intact with the book include:

• The way the poems capture the essence of the night. Each poem is full of vivid imagery that brings the night to life.

• The beautiful and rhythmic writing style will take the readers to imagine and feel nostalgia for the nightlife as it used to be, with stars covering the sky and the visibility of celestial elements.

• The poems in the pursuits section will evoke the readers with emotions from love, loss, and longing.

• Readers will feel amazed by discovering a variety of poetry types in it. 

This book is a masterpiece for poetry enthusiasts and readers who are selenophile/noctophile.

Note to the Author: Quietude took my attention. Being a nonet, it should have nine lines, but I see a missing line in it.

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